HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 143 : Model Answer

QUESTION: What is the cause of Kalapani dispute between India and Nepal? (4marks/60 words)

Answer.

The 1816 Treaty of Sagauli signed between British India and Nepal, defined river Mahakali as the western border of Nepal. River Mahakali has several tributaries, all of which merge at Kalapani.

The dispute is mainly because of the varying interpretation of the origin of this river and its various tributaries that flows through the mountains.

• According to Nepal’s experts, the east of the Kali River should begin at the source of the river. The source according to them is in the mountains near Limpiyadhura, which is higher in altitude than the rest of the river’s flow.
• Nepal claims that a land mass, high in the mountains that falls to the east of the entire stretch starting from Limpiyadhura downwards, is theirs.
• India on the other hand says the border begins at Kalapani which India says is where the river begins.
• While Nepal’s claim of the territory east of Kali is based on the Limpiyadhura origin, India says the river actually takes the name Kali near Kalapani.

Kalapani is a tri-junction involving India and China, it is a strategically important area for India.